NORTHVILLIANS,
This week, I am going to write about a subject that is more lighthearted … that being Groundhog Day in the Ville and the storms that struck our town around this day. As you may know, February 2nd is when we celebrate this event, an observance of how long Winter may continue. Our furry friends – the Groundhogs in this area, similar to the well-known Punxsutawney Phil in PA – have historically been monitored during ceremonial events that inform us if we’ll have an early end to winter … or not!
In Northville, we have had some memorable storms that have blown through on Groundhog Day, and I will provide a look at those wild winter milestones. The old farmer’s almanac, established in 1792, predicted our winter as mostly a mild one with pockets of rowdy storms.
These past weeks have seen sustained bone-chilling temperatures with windchills 20-some below and snow that followed. With the early start of winter this year, I believe we are all hoping for spring to get here SOON.
Groundhog Day Facts:
- Groundhog Day is an offshoot of the celebration of Candlemas, which is held every February 2nd, exactly 40 days after Christmas, to bring protection to homes for the rest of winter. Today, and all the way back to biblical times, the number 40 holds significant meaning. Here’s a few references:
- The season of Lent (which begins March 5th, right after Fat Tuesday-Paczki Day) is the 40 days before Easter Week.
- In the story of Noah, it rained for 40-days and nights.
- Moses spent 40 days on Mt. Sinai (named for Sin-The Moon God)
- After escaping slavery in Egypt, Moses and his followers wandered the desert for 40 years.
- Jesus, following his baptism, fasted for 40 days in the wilderness.
- Did you know Groundhog Day weather predictions were monitored by the military during WWII?
- The first modern Groundhog Day event was supposedly held in 1887.
- This day was made famous in Bill Murray’s movie “Groundhog Day.”
According to legend, if the groundhog comes out of his burrow on February 2nd and doesn’t see its shadow, spring will come early. If the groundhog sees its shadow, and immediately returns to its burrow, winter will last 6 more weeks – Let’s hope for an early Spring after our recent frigid weather!
Let’s look back on past weather events in Northville around Groundhog Day::
1898 – A blizzard came through Northville on Groundhog Day that caused havoc with the town’s phone & telegraph wires. Communications were down after a heavy ice and snow event in our area. Northville was isolated from the world for about a week and had to depend on the mail for info. Even the town clock was frozen in time (like the movie “Groundhog Day”). This Seth Thomas clock (at Dunlap & Center) was placed in the tower above the Stampeddler (Old Methodist Church). The clock chimed for the first time on New Year’s Day 1895, and on Groundhog Day 1898 was the first time it stopped.
1934 – Over a foot of snow hit Northville shortly after Groundhog Day, and many Ford Model A’s along with Model T’s and other autos were battling the elements.
1965 – “The Great Groundhog Day Snowstorm.” According to the Northville Record, many in town maneuvered through the streets via skis on this Groundhog Day. Some said it was the worst snow in years, with more than 9 inches deposited quickly in the first few hours of the storm … and it just KEPT snowing. Hundreds of vehicles were stranded round town.
1974 – Northville dug out of a 19-inch blast. The reports stated it was the heaviest snow in nearly a century. Most City streets were impassable. I remember cross-country skiing in town.
1978 – On Groundhog Day eve, one of the most vicious ice & snowstorms hit Northville. Schools and stores were closed most of the week thanks to the 13-inch accumulation on the first day alone. Northville grocery stores sold everything on the shelves. According to The Record, Grocer John Genitti said, “I sold out of bread within minutes after opening.”
1983 – On the opposite side of the weather front on Groundhog Day, there were folks out on the “Fairways of Life” this year. The Record around this time ran stories entitled “Golfing all 12 Months” & “Teed off in Winter.” In ‘83 it was fun to hit the Bob-O-Links with my father on Groundhog Day.
So, as you can see, it’s been quite a mix of weather on the day meteorological predictions are made by our furry friends. Get ready for the announcement from PA’s Punxsutawney Phil on the duration of winter this year.
Finally, I would like to thank you for helping those around town in battling through these frigid temperatures. Keep that Northville good-neighbor faith and slow down today to check on those around you. It’s up to all of us to help other Northvillians weather the storms of life.
Keep that Northville Faith and let’s keep moving forward…together!
Brian Turnbull
Mayor – Northville
BTurnbull@ci.northville.mi.us / 248.505.6849
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